Undoubtedly, India is a historic land of vibrant cultures, unique traditions and notable customs which are followed by Indians with great devotion and belief. Needless to say that these significant customs varied in accordance with religion and region that mesmerize the people across the globe. No matter we live in the 21st century, these unusual customs, and traditions make India, an Incredible India. There are innumerable customs that are carried out on daily basis by Hindus whether it’s about taking ashirwaad of elders after waking up or doing puja (offering prayers to diety) followed by taking bath. Read the article to make yourself aware of these wonderful customs of India to feel the pulse of enchanting land and fall in love with our country more.

• Namaste or Namaskar

The moment one step into India, the first word one will get to hear is Namaste or Namaskar ji. Namaste is a traditional form of greeting people in India. Namaste literally means ‘i bow to you out of respect. Whether a Hindu is living in his home country or shifted abroad, he always greets other people by joining his two palms together below the face and bowing the head down to pay respect or obeisance to other. It also signifies the reduction of one’s ego in the presence of another person. When we join hands, the fingertips of both the hands touch each other that activates the pressure points in the eyes, ears, and mind.

• Tilak

Second to Namaste, the other thing you will get to acknowledge in India is a red (kumkum), Chandan (sandalwood), yellow (haldi) or orange dot between the eyebrows on the forehead of people. Tilak or tika is considered as ritualistic worship of God which signifies auspiciousness. The scientific reason behind applying tilak is that the spot between the eyebrow is known as a major nerve point on the human body. A tilak prevents the loss of energy and helps in improving concentration.

• Aarti

Aarti is a traditional Hindu ritual of India which is performed as a mark of love and devotion for a deity after offering prayers. A devotional song is being sung when a ghee lamp is circulated around a deity or god. Aarti is the combination of two words, ‘aa’ means ‘towards or to’ and ‘rati’ states ‘right or virtue’ in Sanskrit. It is also performed to welcome Guests, or newlywedded couple before entering into new house, for children on their birthdays or of brother on Raksha Bandhan or bhaiya dooj to ward off the evil spirits. For performing aarti, a lamp with one or more cotton wick filled with oil or ghee is lit. Mostly, ghee is used instead of oil.

• Offering Flower Garland

Offering flower garland is a unique cultural practice that you will only get to admire in India. It is an Indian tradition that we usually offer a garland to a respectable personality. garlands usually made of jasmine, rose, sunflower or marigold is offered to Hindu deities as a remark of respect and honor. Indians also offer flower garlands to welcome guests which is an act of humbling oneself before a guest.

• Charan Sparsh/Touching feets

Wonder why a person bow down his head and touch feet of an elder? It is termed as charan sparsh in India. It is an act of respect and regard for elderly people that we bow down our heads and seek blessings of them for leading a happy and prosperous life and in turn, they place their hand on the head. It is believed that when one touches the feet of elders, their hears emit positive energy or thoughts which reaches to him/her through their hands and toes. It also helps in reducing ego and improving blood circulation of a person.